The company is expected to officially announce that the software has been shipped later this afternoon, UK time.

Softpedia reported earlier today that SQL Server 2008 R2 had hit manufacturers after spotting that Microsoft had prematurely let slip RTM tags on a number of the sequel database software’s releases via the firm’s download website.

A Microsoft spokesman has since confirmed to The Register that the vendor planned to announce the software had been released in a press conference with Redmond senior veep Ted Kummert this afternoon at 3.30pm BST, which we’ll be listening in on.

The company had previously said the SQL Server 2008 R2 would reach manufacturing by May this year, so it’s clearly hit that target.

The next version of Microsoft's database will add support for high-scale applications with up to 256 logical processors and see appliances built featuring the software from hardware partners, such as Unisys.